12 Kalendryas
Imperia's Aedile did not know if he completely shared the Thane's sentiments. It was not an all too uncommon happening, but he was particularly skeptical about how much a few prisoners, city guards and volunteers could do in a war on which 'the fate of the empire was hinged upon'. But nonetheless he would not dream to hesitate to see that his Lord's whims were realized. After all, it was not his city or his resources, he was simply the puppet.
The elf clutched the latest letter in his weak grasp, brow furrowed as he read it over for a third time while planning a strategy to attack the latest problem. There were half a dozens things to be coordinated within a few meager brightenings and he was determined to begin immediately. The prisoners would be marching two by two from the city gates within two brightenings.
He would have to send off letters in all directions.
Quote:
To: the Officials of the Imperia City Guard
From: the Senior Aedile of Imperia, acting on the commands of the Thane
Greetings,
In concordance with the recent law that was passed dictating that Imperian prisoners might be pressed into military service at the whim of the city, I write to inform you that I have been instructed by our Thane to do so. The prisoners of Imperia will be sent to Sherian to aid in the war effort. The fate of Empire, of our existence, hinges upon the battles to fought in the Eastern Empire.
It is with this note that I wish to inform you that seventy five guards will be required to accompany these men to the front. The road is long and arduous, but both I and the Thane have trust in the abilities of Imperia's guard. Each guard member will be highly compensated for his work, and be paid a wage of twenty five crowns per brightening.
The city guard has two brightenings to find fifty men appropriate for this task, and they are to assemble in front of the city gaol in the early brightening of the 14th of this month prepared to march with their equipment.
Regards,
Eraisuithon Nan'tathren
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His hand swept the letter to the side and he began another. Without looking up from his scribbling hand he barked for his most familiar guard and aide.
"Alwyn! Alwyn, get over here!". A very confused blond haired young human came scrambling over. The elf merely shrugged towards the discarded letter from the Thane that he had been reading a few minutes before. Clearly he trusted the young human, or he wouldn't be allowing him to read sensitive documents.
"Read."
Quote:
To: the Imperian Trade Depot
From: the Senior Aedile of Imperia, acting on the commands of the Thane
Greetings,
In concordance with the recent law that was passed dictating that Imperian prisoners might be pressed into military service at the whim of the city, I write to inform you that I have been instructed by our Thane to do so. The prisoners of Imperia will be sent to Sherian to aid in the war effort. The fate of Empire, of our existence, hinges upon the battles to fought in the Eastern Empire.
He has commanded that the caravans of the Imperian Trade Depot follow the city guards and prisoners, laden with supplies to support the journey to Sherian. Enclosed is a paper where he issues this order and commands my requests be followed in regards to his business. You are hereby warranted with assembling a caravan large enough to hold the food and supplies for approximately 475 men, along with approximately 200 swords.
With this letter I am sending my aide, who is responsible for the purchase of these supplies and will attend to all matters regarding them. I trust that the staffs of the Imperian Trade Depot will follows his requests and not hinder the will of Imperia's Thane.
Regards,
Eraisuithon Nan'tathren.
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The elf was finished writing as the human was finished reading, and the Aedile immediately pushed forward his latest letter. Alwyn's eyes darted back and forth and when looked up from the latest letter, he was rather perplexed. The Aedile did not allow him time to speak.
"Have a courier send that letter to the guard, and deliver this one personally. The trip to Sherian will most likely take 40 or 50 brightenings, find the suppliers for the food supplies accordingly. Ge the caravans to pick up the food, and you are to see that they assemble properly. Buy weapons for two hundred. See to this all before the darkening hours, this brightening. You will be alloted the proper funds to this, and I shall write a paper which gives you whatever measure of authority I can issue."
Realization of the sheer massiveness of the operation flickered across the aide's face, but he was undeterred and prepared to do what the elf ordered, as he always did.
"It shall be done, sir."